South Carolina Museum of Revolutionary War History

South Carolina Museum of Revolutionary War History Library and Museum of Revolutionary War History in upstate SC. Free admission. The goal is for this redesign to be completed by the summer of 2016.

The purpose of the Museum of revolutionary War History is to protect, preserve and defend the memory, history and heritage of the American Revolution War; to present the true history of the Battle of Great Cane Brake battle waged in Greenville County. To accomplish this goal, The Museum has introduced a strategy that will allow redesign of the business structure of the Museum and Library. This pla

n will include a stronger and better defined business plan, a new and improved programmatic strategic structure and a new design for financial stability. The Museum and Library of Revolutionary War is a nonprofit designed to educate the public on the history of the Revolutionary War activities fought in the upstate South Carolina area. The Museum is in Laurens, SC and the Library is in Simpsonville, SC where we are privileged to educate and learn from a reliable following of 35-40 individuals. We are faced with the task of having to expand both our display area and meeting space. We are now actively seeking funding through a wide assortment of resources. As the Museum seeks funding for this expansion and redevelopment, we are in the process of updating our inner and outer office communication procedures, advertising methods and fundraising approaches.

Check out Tom Elmore’s presentation on the Irish Brigades of the Revolutionary War! 
06/19/2026

Check out Tom Elmore’s presentation on the Irish Brigades of the Revolutionary War! 

Irish Brigades of the Revolution 

We very much appreciate the recent Proclamation that the City of Mauldin issued to us on our Thirteen years of service t...
05/12/2026

We very much appreciate the recent Proclamation that the City of Mauldin issued to us on our Thirteen years of service to the people of Mauldin, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn. We are truly greatful.. Huzzah!

Luncheon with Cam Molineux
04/06/2026

Luncheon with Cam Molineux

Today!
04/04/2026

Today!

This Saturday, April 4th from 10am to 4pm, KMHM will be hosting another Pop Up event on 18th & 19th century muskets! Historical interpreter William Young of Our Living History will demonstrate how 18th and 19th era paper cartridges were made by hand by soldiers, giving visitors a chance to compare two different centuries of military fi****ms and ammunition preparation. Come see history rolled, loaded, and cleaned…..just like it was centuries ago. Free Admission!

02/03/2026

Join us for SC250 Trivia Night in Downtown Greenville on the evening of Friday, February 27th and test your knowledge of South Carolina’s role in the American Revolution! 🟦 IMPORTANT: Every trivia question for this event will focus exclusively on South Carolina — its people, places, battles, ...

12/22/2025

It was on this day back in 1775, 250 years ago, that the battle of Great Cane Break was fought near Simpsonville, South Carolina. The new patriot government in Charleston was opposed by large bodies of loyalists in the backcountry. After the loyalists intercepted a large shipment of munitions sent by the patriots to cultivate friendship with the Cherokee, the patriots realized that action needed to be taken. A force of around 1,300 men under patriot leaders Col. Richard Richardson and Maj. William “Danger” Thomson marched into the backcountry through a snowstorm. Surprising and nearly surrounding a force of 500 loyalists encamped in a cane brake, they took 130 prisoners and recaptured the munitions. Although the Cherokee soon decided to side with the British, the Snow Campaign was one of the first patriot victories in the backcountry.

Image Courtesy of Edisto Island Open Land Trust
Image Description: an image of a small cane brake with river cane and pine tree visible

12/22/2025

250 years ago the Snow Campaign was in full swing in the backcountry of South Carolina.

What was the Snow Campaign?

The Snow Campaign was an attempt by the patriots to flush out loyalist support from the backcountry of South Carolina in late 1775. Following the first battle of Ninety Six (November 19-21st 1775), a cease fire had been signed between patriot and loyalist forces. However, Patriot Col Richard Richardson arrived after the battle with 1500 fresh troops. He and the patriot leadership decided that they did not have to abide by the cessation of arms and went on a aggressive campaign through the backcountry to round up loyalist supporters.

By mid-December Colonel Richardson's troops had increased to approximately 3,000 soldiers from all over SC and 500 from NC.

On December 22nd 1775 the Battle of Great Cane Break occurred near present day Simpsonville SC. 1300 patriot forces routed 200 loyalists, taking 130 as prisoners. They also rounded up loyalists leaders Thomas Fletchall and Richard Pearis. Loyalist leader Patrick Cunningham narrowly escaped on a ba****ck horse wearing only his breeches!

By mid-December Colonel Richardson's troops had increased to approximately 3,000 soldiers from all over SC and 500 from NC.

Why is it called the Snow Campaign?

On their return journey to Charleston, 2 feet of snow fell on the patriots in 30 hours. The patriots were not prepared for the harsh weather and suffered great privations.

Would you like to learn more?

Listen to the Southern War Podcast #5 on the Snow Campaign at https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/southern-war.htm



Photo from hmbd.org by Brian Scott

12/22/2025

This month marks 250 years since the Battle of Great Cane Brake, the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Greenville County.

12/17/2025
Photos from Saturday’s event
12/09/2025

Photos from Saturday’s event

Address

Laurens, SC

Opening Hours

Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 2pm - 5pm

Telephone

+18646889331

Website

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